Tips for Staying Healthy in the Holiday Seasons
1. Drink water. Warm drinks are great to help stay warm. But drinking enough water is also essential. Keeping hydrated helps your immune system. Experts recommend drinking approximately 8 cups of water daily, but consult your health care provider for specific information relevant to your health conditions.
2. Keep warm. If you live in colder climates, dress in layers when going outside, cover your skin to protect from frostbite. Keep your home at 68 degrees or higher. Use extra blankets if needed. Limit your time outdoors in extreme cold temperatures. These suggestions can help prevent hypothermia.
3. Eat nutritious meals and take appropriate supplements, as recommended by your health care provider, to help keep your immune system strong.
4. Practice frequent hand washing. Use warm soap and water, scrubbing the palms and backs of your hands as well as in between your fingers for approximately 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face as much as possible and disinfect frequently used surfaces such as counter tops, door knobs and toilets.
5. Consider Immunizations. Your healthcare provider will be able to recommend the appropriate immunizations for you, including, Influenza (Flu), Pneumonia, Covid and RSV immunizations. These illnesses are typically more prevalent in colder months of the year, when people are gathering indoors.
6. Get regular exercise. Exercise helps both your physical and mental health. Take walks outside if the weather permits and dress appropriately. Have an indoor exercise program. You can walk inside your home and some malls have indoor walking programs. There are online programs available for seniors that include indoor exercises for chair yoga and stretching.
7. Get adequate sleep. Sleep is essential in keeping a healthy immune system. Getting 7-9 hours on average of good sleep will help you stay physically and emotionally rested.
8. If you are sick, stay home. Rest will help you recover quicker and avoid spreading germs to others. And consider staying away from others who are sick.
9. If possible, avoid going out in slippery weather conditions to avoid falls. Online grocery shopping and other online sites to purchase medications or household products often deliver to your home. Doing online banking and telehealth visits to your doctor also can be done from the safety of your home.
As the cold and and holiday seasons approach, stay healthy to enjoy your gatherings!